Anxiety Support

Coping with anxiety can be challenging, but NAMI WC is here to provide support and information for you and your family. Find information about NAMI Washtenaw County support groups or other local resources on this website or call our office at 734-994-6611. You can also contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org if you have any questions about anxiety disorder.

Helping Yourself

Anxiety disorders can impact even the smallest details of life. It’s important to get help and know how to stay resilient when things are tough. Here are some ways you can work towards recovery:

Become an expert. Learn about medication and treatment options. Keep up with current research. Build a personal library of useful websites and helpful books.

Know your triggers and stressors. If large groups make you cringe, plan to see the Sunday matinee. If taking a walk outdoors reduces your anxiety before a big meeting, schedule a 10 minute walk before the meeting starts. Being mindful of triggers and stressors will help you live your life with fewer limitations.

Partner with your health care providers. Actively participate in your treatment by working with mental health care professionals to develop a plan that works for you. Talk with them about your goals, decide on a recovery pace you’re comfortable with, then stick to the plan. Don’t quit when something doesn’t go well. Instead, talk to your doctor or therapist about options and possible changes.

Get healthy. Studies have reported that 30 minutes of vigorous, aerobic exercise can eliminate symptoms, while low-key activities like meditation, prayer, yoga or Tai Chi relieve stress. Regular exercise can reduce many symptoms. Diet is also an important factor. Try to eat healthy, balanced meals, and pay attention to food sensitivities. In some people, certain foods or additives can cause unpleasant physical reactions, which may lead to irritability or anxiety.

Avoid drugs and alcohol. These substances may seem to help with anxiety at first, but can disrupt emotional balance, sleep cycles and interact with medications. Coffee, energy drinks and cigarettes worsen anxiety.

Find support. Share your thoughts, fears and questions with other people. NAMI WC offers Connection Support Groups and Peer-to-Peer education programs which help you recognize that you are not alone and recovery is possible.

Helping a Family Member or Friend

Learn about triggers, stressor and symptoms in your loved one. By being informed and aware, you may be able to prevent an increase in symptoms. Look for things like rapid breathing, fidgeting or avoidance. Discuss your friend or family member’s past experiences with them so they can clearly recognize the signs early.

Create a treatment role. Increasingly, mental health professionals are recommending couple or family-based treatment programs. Occasionally, a therapist might enlist a loved one to help reinforce behavior modification techniques or help with homework. Ultimately the work involved in recovery is the responsibility of the person with the disorder, but you can play an active, supportive role.

Communicate. Speak honestly and kindly. Make specific offers of help and follow through. Offer alternatives that may be more comfortable for your loved one so she can still be involved. Tell the person you care about her. Ask how she feels and don’t chide or judge.

Allow time for recovery. Understanding and patience need to be balanced with pushing for progress and your expectations.

React calmly and rationally. Even if your loved one is in a crisis, it’s important to remain calm. Listen to him and make him feel understood, then take the next step towards getting help.

Find out more about taking care of your family member or friend and yourself.

About NAMI Washtenaw County

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Washtenaw County is a non-profit organization and a local affiliate of the national NAMI and NAMI Michigan, that aims to improve the lives of persons affected by mental illness. Individuals with these biological disorders, their families and mental health professionals, and the broader community can all benefit from the organization’s mission.